Laptops are becoming more and more prevalent in our society, but How To Build A Laptop? Building a laptop is not as complicated as it may seem. You do not need to be an expert with the latest technology to build a desktop, and you can save money by doing it on your own! Here are a few steps by Medcpu that will help you successfully to build your own laptop.
Is it worth building your own laptop?
Many times, you can buy pre-configured OEM laptops from either online retailers or a few manufacturers. These laptops come in large quantities and can be used immediately upon returning from work or when the next delivery truck arrives.
These laptops might not be able to meet the needs of gamers or professionals. Building a laptop computer is also very cost-effective. The idea is that you create it yourself.
The performance of custom laptop computers is far better than those made by brands. You can also choose accessories to suit your needs, and you don’t have to spend money on parts you don’t want. It’s worthwhile to build your own laptop.
These are the steps for your need to build your laptop computer:
1. Laptop Customization Service
Many PC manufacturers, such as Dell and Lenovo, offer custom laptop services. You can choose from components such as desktop processors, displays, hard drives, and so forth. They then build your computer to your specifications.
If your budget is tight, I wouldn’t recommend this approach. This method isn’t cost-effective. This method works if you don’t know any way to build your own laptop.
2. Building a Laptop by Yourself
This method is a great way to get a powerful laptop at a low price. You don’t need to know much about building a laptop. I will teach you how in the following content. Keep reading to learn how you can build your laptop.
How to Build Your Own Laptop
You only need to choose the components and then assemble them into a laptop. What are the requirements to build your own laptop? How do you choose the right components for your laptop? This section will provide the answers.
How to choose the right components for your laptop
You will need a barebones laptop with a processor, RAM, hard drives, and a network card. This section will help you choose the right components.
Before buying the parts for your laptop, make sure that you know what it is used for. This is often built for high-end gaming laptops. This is why you should build your laptop with high-end specs, but this will directly affect the final cost.
You don’t need to build your own laptop if you only use it for browsing, email checking, and word processing. Essential integrated laptops are sufficient. An Ultrabook can be purchased at any retail store.
1. Barebones Laptop
A barebones personal computer has been assembled but not fully assembled. It includes a notebook shell, power supply, and motherboard. The user can choose which component (CPU or memory, storage devices, etc.) they want. Depending on their needs and budget, they can choose which component (CPU, memory, primary storage device, etc.) to purchase and install.
Original Design Manufacturers (ODMs) are usually responsible for producing barebones laptops like Quanta, Compal, and Wistron. These ODM companies make PCs for various brands (OEM), such as Dell, HP, Lenovo, Acer, Mac, etc. These products will then be sold to build your own laptop as OEM products.
These are examples of ODM and brand relationships (OEM):
- Quanta: Dell, HP, Lenovo, Hasee, Apple, Thunderbolt, etc.
- Compal: HP, Toshiba, Lenovo, Dell, etc.
- Wistron: Acer, Lenovo, Dell, HP, etc.
- Clevo: Hasee, Terrans Force, Thunderobot, Sager, etc.
- MSI: MSI, HIPAA, RaBook, etc.
The quality of the barebones and brand computers is nearly identical. You may then want to know where you can buy these barebones notebooks. These products can be purchased on Alibaba, eBay, and R&J Tech or ODM vendor’s websites.
When choosing a barebones laptop, you should consider the following factors: is the CPU and graphics card replaceable? How many hard disk drive interfaces it supports? Screen size interface, etc.
You can increase the performance of a barebones laptop by replacing its partial hardware or if it has enough interfaces. You cannot replace the whole machine if there are too few interfaces or the hardware is not soldered.
Some users might also be concerned about its cooling system and external features, such as external multi-screen size interconnection, external graphic cards, virtual reality, and external graphics cards.
2. CPU
The CPU is a semiconductor-integrated chip used primarily to interpret computer instructions and process computer software data. It is the central device of a computer.
These are the things you need to consider when you’re looking to purchase a CPU.
The majority of the PC CPU market is dominated by Intel and AMD brands. The most popular Intel CPU series for personal computers are Core, Pentium, and Celeron (their performance declines in turn in the same generations); AMD’s most commonly used series are Ryzen and AMD FX, APU, and Athlon. (similarly, their performances are weakened in turn).
Cores: Cores in the CPU are distinct processing units that read and execute program instructions like a separate processor. The current CPUs are at least two cores, and it is highly recommended to have more than four cores. Suppose you use your own PC to do graphic design, video editing, image rendering, etc. A CPU with more cores will be better. When selecting a processor, the most important criteria are speed versus cooling or power consumption.
Clock rate: This refers to how often the clock generator generates pulses at a given frequency. It is commonly used to indicate the processor’s speed. Your PC can be used to 3D model, play client games, and do other tasks. A CPU with a higher clock frequency is more efficient.
Notice: Make sure your interfaces with the barebones laptop’s motherboard (or RAM, hard drive) are compatible when purchasing CPU, RAM, Hard Drive, or Graphics Card.
Read also: How To Clean Cpu? A Complete Guide 2023
3. RAM
Memory acts as a bridge between the CPU and external memory. Memory is the foundation of all computer programs. It determines the stability of the computer’s operation and has a significant impact on its performance.
These are the things you need to consider when buying RAM:
Generation: There are four generations to memory. These are DDR1, DDR2, DDR3, DDR4, and the most recent DDR4. The general rule of thumb is that the higher the generation number, generally speaking, the better the overall performance. DDR4 is currently the most popular memory on the market.
Capacity: 8GB is the minimum memory required to play games. 16G is the best for 3D modeling or rendering. To learn more, click Windows 10 RAM Requirements: What RAM Does Windows 10 Use?
RAM frequency: The RAM’s performance is generally better if the frequency is higher. The CPU might have a limit to the frequency of the RAM. You should select the RAM that has the highest frequency in the range.
4. Hard Drive
These are the things you need to consider when you buy a hard drive.
Storage medium: There’s a choice of two main types of local storage for your laptop: SSD (Solid State Drive) and HDD (Hard Disk Drive). HDDs are slow and can only be used as a secondary storage device. SSDs, on the other hand, are extremely fast and reliable. They are recommended for primary drives.
Interface: There are many interfaces for hard drives. Some HDDs or SSDs can be purchased in 2.5-inch SATA formats. SSD (Solid State Drive) will have a slower speed due to the SATA interface. Many SSDs are therefore sold in M.2PCIe format. To learn more, click 2 SSD vs. SATA SATA SSD.
Capacity: Most cases require a 500 GB hard drive. To learn more, click on What Size Hard Drive Do I Need for my Laptop?
5. Graphics card
Sometimes graphics cards are soldered to the motherboard or embedded in a CPU or chipset. These cases mean that you cannot replace or upgrade graphics cards. It would be best if you verified that the GPU had been soldered before you purchase a barebones laptop. If the GPU is soldered, make sure there’s an additional socket that you can use to insert another GPU.
These are the things you need to consider when you’re looking to purchase a GPU.
Graphics chips: There are two types: ATI (AMD purchased ATI) or NVIDIA. NVIDIA cards are better at game fluency, but AMD graphics cards do better in picture rendering.
Brands: The most common brands of integrated graphics are Asus and Gigabyte.
Architecture refers to the technology used by the GPU. The GPU will perform better if the architecture is more recent. A dedicated graphics card is available for those who love games and graphic designers.
Stream processor: Graphics performance is directly affected by the number of stream processors. The number of stream processors in the same generation of graphics cards will affect the card’s drawing speed and draw power.
Frequency: The greater the GPU frequency, strength, and power consumption, the more intense the performance. The lower frequency means that the performance is less efficient, and the heat is more minor.
Video memory: While large video memory can be helpful, it is not essential. The GPU will not work if the architecture is poor.
Notice: The graphics card used in the barebones laptop’s configuration is MXM (Mobile PCI Express module). MXM is a collection of interfaces for devices designed to support graphics processors using the PCI-Express interface.
6. Choose a battery
It is essential to choose one with the right shape and the same connector. Laptop batteries are made up of multiple pins. The battery has ICs. It notifies the computer about temperature and notifies it if it isn’t working. Long-lasting battery life is best if you intend to move it around frequently. You may experience a shorter battery life because of faster memory, but you will still get superior performance.
Assembling the Custom Laptops
Once you have all the components, you can put them together to make a complete laptop. The following steps will guide you:
1. Get the tools
A set of jeweler’s screwdrivers is a must, preferably a magnetic one. Laptop screws are smaller and more challenging to use than desktop screws. To reach cracks in screws, use a pair of needle-nose scissors.
Your screws should be kept in a plastic bag until you are ready to use them. This will prevent them from getting lost or rolling away.
2. Ground yourself
Electrostatic discharge can quickly ruin computer components. Before you build your own laptop, make sure you are grounded. A wristband that prevents electrostatic discharge will keep you grounded, and they are cheap.
3. Turn over the shell so that the bottom is facing up
The motherboard can be accessed via several removable plates at the back of your unit.
4. Remove the panel covering the drive bay
This panel covers your 2.5-inch bay, which will house your hard drive. The exact location of the bay varies depending upon the laptop shell. However, it is usually located in front of your laptop.
5. Mount the hard drive in the bracket
Notebook computer usually requires that the hard drive be mounted to a bracket that fits around it. Make sure the bracket is securely fastened with four screws. It is essential to ensure the bracket is installed in the correct direction using the screw holes.
6. Slide the bracketed hard drive into the bay
Apply enough pressure with the grip tape to secure the drive. Once the drive need to install, most brackets will align with two holes. To secure the drive, insert screws.
7. Remove the panel covering the motherboard
It will be much more difficult to remove this panel than the hard disk drive panel. After removing all screws, you may have to open it.
8. Install your memory
After the panel has been opened, you can access the motherboard and memory slots. The SO-DIMM memory chip chips should be inserted at an angle into the slots. Next, push the buttons down to click them in place. You can only install the memory sticks in one direction.
9. Install the CPU
The socket where the CPU is mounted may have a lock that prevents it from being unlocked. To get it to the “unlocked” position, you may need a flathead screwdriver.
You can turn your CPU upside down so you can see the pins. One corner should have missing pins. This notch will align with the socket’s notch.
The socket can only accept the CPU in one direction. Do not force the CPU to sit in the socket. You could damage the processor by bending the pins.
After inserting the CPU, turn the lock to the “locked” position.
10. Install the cooling fan (most laptops use centrifugal fans)
The fan cools the CPU only or all of it. A cooling fan should come with your CPU. Thermal paste will be applied to the fan’s bottom, where it connects to your CPU. You will need to apply thermal paste to the bottom of the fan before it is installed.
After the paste is dry, the fan can be installed. You must align the exhaust with your shell vents. As you try to align everything, this part can be difficult. Do not force the fan and heatsink assembly into place. Instead, wiggle it in. Mounting bolts may also be required. To prevent dust from clogging your heatsink, use a bay-to-place fan dust filter.
You can keep the heatsink in an angled position until you have found the perfect spot. This will prevent the thermal paste from contaminating your components.
Once the fan has been installed, connect the power cable of the fan to the motherboard. The fan will heat up and then turn off after a few minutes.
11. Close your panels
After you install one or two components, place the panels over the openings again and attach them with screws. You are now done!
Starting it up
It is important to make sure the battery is inserted correctly. It’s easy to forget about the battery during the building process. However, make sure it is properly charged before you start the computer.
You should check your memory. Memtest86+ can be run before you install an operating program. It will verify that your memory cards work correctly and that your computer functions properly. Memtest86+ is accessible online and can be booted using a CD or USB stick.
Install operating system files. If you don’t already have an optical drive, you will need to make a bootable USB drive with your operating system files.
You have two options for self-built laptops: Microsoft Windows or a Linux distribution. Windows is more expensive but offers more programs and compatibility with hardware. Linux is secure, maintained by volunteers, and has a free operating system. There are many Linux versions to choose from. Some of the most popular are Ubuntu, Mint, and Debian.
As older versions of Windows lose support over time, installing the most recent version is recommended. You will need an optical drive if you do not have one installed.
Install your drivers. After your operating system has been installed, you’ll need drivers for your hardware. Modern operating systems do most of the work automatically. However, there may be some components that must be installed manually. Most components come with the drivers on a CD. If your operating system is unable to find the drivers, you can use the disc.
FAQs
How to build my own gaming laptop?
Gaming laptops are perfect for those who travel frequently. As long as you play games on your computer, you can choose components, the style of your system, its cooling capability, and other options. The gaming laptop is fully customizable.
Read more: How To Build A Gaming Laptop?
How long does it take to build a laptop?
It can take hours or days, depending on the skills you have and the materials you use.
Can I add an HDMI and a USB port?
The connectors that come in a laptop are usually included with the motherboard. Therefore, how many USB ports you have depends on which motherboard is chosen.
Where are bare-bone notebook computers sold?
You can buy bare-bone laptops online from an independent vendor or an electronics store like Fry’s and Best Buy.
Conclusion
We hope you found this article useful! If not, please let us know. There are many different factors to consider when purchasing your own laptops, and we want the best possible experience for our readers. Please look at some other articles on building a laptop that may be more helpful based on your needs. Have any questions? Let us know in the comments below!
Eyal Ephrat serves as the co-founder and CEO of medCPU.com, where technology is making significant strides in the field of medicine. Through his experience in purchasing PC and laptop equipment and various other tech products, Eyal Ephrat contributes valuable insights to medCPU’s mission.
